About Us
More than a club, a family for life
Tallaght Martial Arts has been part of the Tallaght community for 30 years. The club does so much more than sport, it offers a place for young people to learn life skills that are invaluable in modern society. We have two and three generations of families training in the club. The club is family focus due to its roots in kung fu training which is a traditionally family-based fighting system. We have an amazing team spirit in the club which is very evident now during this pandemic. Even though our sport is a very individual sport, through martial arts our members learn to work as a team and support each other, win or lose. Our members compete as individuals in competitive kickboxing but the tremendous support they receive from their TMA team mates and parents is incredible to watch. Win or lose, the support is identical.
In addition, we have World, European and National champions training alongside beginners where all egos are left at the door. This creates a unique atmosphere in the club; everyone is made welcome in a friendly, informative training environment. Members are learning all the time, whether by what they do, what they are taught or simply by what they see. The attitude, determination and self-discipline it takes to succeed is there for all to see. We have witnessed the success of this approach over the years, it builds self-esteem. It helps to increases self-belief and confidence. Strong resilient characters are developed with numerous benefits not only in their martial arts journey but in all other aspects of their lives, school college and eventual in their careers.
Meet Our Instructors
Tallaght Martial Arts is a place where we belong to each other, look out for each other, and build each other up. A place where individuals are celebrated and are included, mentored, and encouraged.
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Martin
Martin has been training for over 40 years in martial arts and is the founder and chief instructor of Tallaght Martial Arts & Blessington Martial Arts where he has been coaching for the last 30 years.
Martin has attained 5th Dan Black belt in Kickboxing, 1st Dan Black Belt in Kung Fu and 1st Dan Black Belt in Karate. Martin is a level 3 coach in martial art received from coaching Ireland and coaching tutor for Irish Martial Arts Commission. Martin has represent Ireland in Kickboxing for over three decades at European and World championship. Martin has over thirty years experience in coaching at national and international level and has coached members to National, European, World and Sports Accord World titles.
Martin represents Kickboxing Ireland on the executive committee of Irish Martial Arts Commission for over 25 years and is currently Vice President of Kickboxing Ireland. Martin went back to education in 2008 to get a better understanding of local issues and successful completed a Diploma in community drugs work in UCD and in 2012 done a Master degree in sports and exercise management in UCD. Martin is currently working with South Dublin Sports Partnership as a tutor teaching Sport Leadership courses to TY students in local schools.
Dave
Dave is the Head Coach of Tallaght Martial Arts and TMA Kombat martial arts (Ratoath). A former multi-time World and European kickboxing champion, Dave spent over two decades as the Irish national coach, leading the nation to historic competitive success. He holds a 7th Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing and a master’s degree in performance analysis and coaching science. Recognised for his leadership, Dave serves as the vice president of Kickboxing Ireland, a WAKO European board member, and chairman of the WAKO World coaching committee. He combines elite athletic experience with professional expertise in sports management, governance, and athlete safeguarding.
Key Qualifications & Experience
Ranks: 1st Dan Black Belt in Kung Fu and 7th Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing.
Coaching: Dave is coaching in TMA for over 35 years while also Irish National Coach for over 20 years, he is also a Tutor with Coaching Ireland and ia widely respected international kickboxing coach.
Governance: Presently on the Kickboxing Ireland Executive as Vice President and recently voted on to the WAKO European board. Fully Garda vetted and qualified in Safeguarding level 2. Dave is a child safety validator for the Irish Martial Arts Commission.
Professionally: Dave is experienced Sports administrator working with numerous National Governing bodies on management, development and governance of sport. He holds an Honours degree in Sports Management, a Masters in Sports science and a diploma in Executive leadership.
CLUB OF THE
YEAR
Recognised at the Tallaght Person of the Year Awards for our outstanding contribution to the community and the sport of kickboxing.
The recent Tallaght Person of the Year Awards saw Tallaght Martial Arts represented well, with Troy Gannon being nominated for Young Sports Person of the Year, Dean Barry nominated for Senior Sports Person of the Year and the club being nominated for Tallaght Sports Club of the Year. Troy and Dean were up against very tough opposition, with Tallaght Sports Person being awarded to Annalise Murphy after her fantastic performance in Rio 2016.
“The club was awarded the club of the year because of all the hard work that Tallaght Martial Arts has produced in the years it has being operating. The club not only is a huge benefit to the young people in the area but also produces some of the best athletes in Tallaght. For a long time Tallaght Martial Arts has been a very successful Martial Arts club both Nationally and Internationally producing many European and World champions at senior and junior levels.”
Tallaght Martial Arts was awarded Tallaght Sports Club of the Year which is an amazing achievement when you consider the fantastic sports clubs situated in the Tallaght area.
“This award is the culmination of many years of hard work from all the volunteers, parents and members of the club that we are so lucky to work with.”
— Martin BannonTOP OF THE RANGE FITNESS CLASS FACILITIES
Tallaght Martial Arts are members of Kickboxing Ireland which is recognised by Sports Ireland as the governing body for Kickboxing in Ireland. Kickboxing Ireland are members of World Association of Kickboxing Organisations, (WAKO) which recently became part of the International Olympic family and in December 2020 Kickboxing Ireland became members of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. TMA coaches are Garda vetted and Children first certified.